Palestinian-style Grilled Chicken Skewers

Ingredients

In this Palestinian adaptation, we replace the traditional Japanese yakitori sauce with a Palestinian-inspired marinade. The original dish is typically flavored with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, while our version incorporates za'atar, sumac, and cumin for a Middle Eastern twist. Additionally, we use olive oil instead of vegetable oil to enhance the Mediterranean flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Sasami yakitori, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons za'atar 2 tablespoons za'atar
• 1 tablespoon sumac 1 tablespoon sumac
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 2g, 0g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, za'atar, sumac, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked wooden skewers.
5. 5.
   Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. 6.
   Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Za'atar — Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend consisting of dried thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt. If you can't find za'atar, you can make your own by combining equal parts of dried thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds.
• Sumac — Sumac is a tangy spice commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine. It adds a unique citrusy flavor to dishes. If you don't have sumac, you can substitute it with a combination of lemon zest and a pinch of salt.
• Wooden skewers — Soaking the wooden skewers in water before grilling prevents them from burning during cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, brush the chicken skewers with the marinade while grilling.
• Serve the skewers with a side of fresh tabbouleh salad and warm pita bread for a complete Palestinian meal.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• Experiment with different cuts of chicken, such as thighs or drumsticks, for a variation in texture and flavor.
• If you don't have access to a grill, you can also cook the skewers on a stovetop grill pan or under the broiler.

Serving advice

Serve the Palestinian-style grilled chicken skewers hot off the grill as a main course. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the skewers on a platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the grilled chicken to shine through. Serve alongside a bowl of creamy tahini sauce for dipping.